Marquee lights are hot. You'll be hot too, once you see the price tag on some of them. I'm not saying that this DIY version is identical to the real thing. But I am saying it's a fraction of the price — around $35 instead of hundreds — which is exactly what you want to spend on what might be a fleeting fad.

Heidi of Hands Occupied had been coveting a vintage salvaged arrow sign for her stairway for quite a while, but the price tag put her off. She was also looking for something lighted, lightweight and battery powered... which didn't exist. Until now.

Heidi crafted her own arrow sign from two big sheets of foam core and some strands of battery-powereed LED string lights. The whole thing was assembled with glue and pins, then painted blue and fit with lights. Heidi shares detailed instructions for putting the whole thing together on her blog.

Think of it like getting a henna tattoo before really getting inked. Try the art-store crafted sign on for size, and if it grows to become a loved and cherished part of your home, splurge on the real thing. This DIY marquee could also be made into other shapes and colors for themed parties, blowing crepe paper and balloons way out of the water.